Orthopedic Surgery

What are some important statistics around the specialty? 

“Matching into an orthopaedic surgery residency is increasingly difficult, with an average match rate of 66.6% in 2021-2022 compared to 76.0% over 2016-2020, despite recent efforts to make the NRMP more applicant-centric and improve the equity of the match process." However, with pass/fail, USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and research are given more weight. 

Citations: 1. Mascarenhas B, Puranam K: Analysis of the medical residency matching algorithm to validate and improve equity. PLoS One. 2023, 18:e0284153. 10.1371/journal.pone.0284153 2. Mascarenhas B, Puranam KS, Katehakis MN: Comparison of program-centric vs student-centric national resident matching algorithms. JAMA Netw Open. 2021, 4:e2113769. 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.13769

What general advice would you offer to someone considering this specialty?

Job satisfaction (ability to truly restore function), some afforded job stability, diverse procedures, continued advancements in technology, and engaging.

What are the top three areas that students can focus on to help prepare themselves for a successful residency application and a successful transition to residency? (i.e., grades/academics, professionalism, any of the categories listed above, etc.)?

Strong grades, Step 2 score, Ortho rotations.

What resources would you share with a student who is just starting to research their interest in this specialty and/or wants to learn more specifics of this specialty (anything from what a typical day may look like to specifics on rotations, specialty-specific residency info, fellowships)?

Network and, when rotating, understand what a "normal" day is for an orthopedic surgeon. 

What subspecialties exist with this specialty?

Shoulder/Elbow, sports, hand, Joints (hip and knee), foot/ankle, trauma, spine, pediatrics, oncology.

What does a typical workday or work week look like (hours/schedule/shifts, work setting, team-based environment, acuity, etc.)?

2-3 days of clinic and typically 2 days of surgery clinic 8-5 surgery 7-5 Academics: some protected time typically, but less pay Community: eat what you kill only, some differences in certain employed models.

What are the important traits, qualities, and/or considerations recommended for physicians in this specialty?

Judgment, work ethic, team player, accountability.

How does the specialty work differ in various settings (e.g. a private vs a community vs an academic environment)?

Depends on the situation. As mentioned above. Over the last decade, more employed physicians 2/2 hospital systems have had negotiating power through volume. A very recent trend of some physicians moving back to private practice. The future of medicine is uncertain, and healthcare delivery will see some significant changes in the future (unsustainable with current costs).

What does training for this specialty look like (how many years, is a separate prelim year needed, etc.)?

5-year residency 1 1-year specialty fellowship (optional).

What types of experiences might strengthen my future residency application, especially in areas of service, leadership, and research? 

Research and ortho rotations, unique talent (e.g., prior collegiate athlete, coding/programming, performing arts, ability to fundraise, etc.), award, or special skill.

Is there a specialty interest group?  If not, what other networking options would you recommend?  Are there any specific national organizations or committees I should join?

Yes, the orthopedic interest group and the orthopedic research group at UA Phoenix.

What advice would you offer MS1s and MS2s who are interested in this specialty?

Get involved early. Show hunger, interest, and ability to keep research moving forward.

How and where can I find other mentors for this specialty?

Through the interest groups.

Is there anything else in addition to the suggestions above that could aid my future application, now that Step 1 is P/F?

See above.

Which group and association memberships might strengthen my future residency application (e.g., AOA, GHHS, MSG, specialty-specific groups, etc.)? 

AOA helps, but not mandatory.

How important are Step 2 scores to this specialty?

Vital.

Are publications important to this specialty? Is there a general number of publications or presentations I should be aiming for?  How important is it for these to be within the specialty I am pursuing?

Given the pass/fail of Step 1, research has become quite important. It shows interest and commitment to the field... right or wrong.

Are there any special considerations when applying for residency?

Be thoughtful about which programs you want to alert. Also, be realistic based on your application strength.

What is a general recommendation for how many programs to apply to (recognizing that this may vary based on student situation)?

Based on the last four years here, I think 30 is appropriate. If you are applying to more than 30, the yield at securing interviews may be much lower since you would not have signaled these additional programs. Refer to resources such as Residency Explorer and Careers in Medicine for more details.

What letters of recommendation are recommended for this specialty (e.g., from research, physicians within this specialty, academic, etc.)

Physicians within the specialty whose names carry weight. Physicians with whom you have developed a good working relationship, and can write the key buzzwords that letter readers are looking for. 

If other disciplines are appropriate for letter of recommendation writers, are there specific specialties you would strongly recommend?

Possibly another surgical specialty, but try to keep within orthopedics. 

How competitive are the residency programs in this specialty?

Extremely.

When do programs typically offer interviews?

Winter.

Are away rotations required for this specialty, and if so, when should I plan to do them?

Not required, but highly recommended. Plan early, almost 6 months in advance.